Spindle module, bank, and method

A pick-and-place spindle bank comprising:

• a base including a plurality of mount locations;
• and
• a bearing system attachable to an axis of a pick-and-place machine such that the spindle bank is movable along the axis;
• and
• a first pick-and-place spindle module mounted to a first of the plurality of mount locations, the first pick-and-place spindle module including:
• a modular body structure including a first receiving location configured to receive a spindle;
• a first z-axis motor configured to move a spindle received in the first receiving location in a z-axis;
• a first theta motor configured to rotate a spindle received in the first receiving location;
• a first motion control chip each attached to the modular body structure, the first motion control chip configured to control the first z-axis motor and the first theta motor;
• and
• a mechanical attachment mechanism attaching the modular body structure to the base.

A pick-and-place head comprising:

• a body structure;
• a plurality of z-axis motors attached to the body structure, each configured to move a spindle in a z-axis;
• a plurality of theta motors attached to the body structure each configured to rotate a spindle;
• and
• a plurality of motion control chips each attached to the body structure, each of the plurality of motion control chips configured to control a single one of the plurality of z-axis motors and a single one of the plurality of theta motors.

A method of assembly comprising:

• providing a pick-and-place head that includes:
• a body structure;
• a plurality of z-axis motors attached to the body structure, each configured to move a spindle in a z-axis;
• a plurality of theta motors attached to the body structure each configured to rotate a spindle;
• and
• a plurality of motion control chips each attached to the body structure;
• controlling, with each of the plurality of motion control chips, a single one of the plurality of z-axis motors and a single one of the plurality of theta motors;
• and
• at least partially assembling, with the pick and place head, an unfinished product.